Jeremy Bray to leave Ireland Women coaching role

Bray will continue to work until December with the squad aiding their preparation for the T20 finals

Jeremy Bray will be stepping down as Ireland Women coach at the end of his current contract in December.

Jeremy Bray will be stepping down as Ireland Women coach at the end of his current contract in December.

Bray, who turns 40 next month, is eager to explore new coaching avenues following two seasons at the helm of the Women's team.

Under his leadership, Ireland Women won promotion in the ECB County Championship Division 3 in 2012, were victorious in the 2012 ICC European Women's T20 championships, and qualified for the ICC World Twenty20 2014 in the most dramatic fashion earlier this summer.

The former Ireland World Cup star said: "I've really enjoyed my time as coach of the Women, but it's time for a new challenge. It's been a part-time consultancy role and I've reached the stage in my career where I'm looking for something more permanent."

Bray paid tribute to his youthful charges saying: "There's been a real injection of youth into the squad over the past few years, and the future is bright as far as the women's game is concerned. The team has really improved and I was, like everyone else, immensely proud of their efforts in qualifying for Bangladesh under tremendous pressure in August, which was a real testament to their character."

Bray will continue to work until December with the squad aiding their preparation for the T20 finals. "I wish the squad the best of luck in Bangladesh, but for now there is a lot of hard work to be done, which I intend helping them with over the coming weeks until Christmas. I hope to have other opportunities in the future within Irish Cricket to help develop players and young talent and look forward to that."

Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth paid tribute to Bray saying: "I'd like to thank Jeremy for all his commitment and effort during his time in charge, and wish him well in his future coaching career. He has helped develop and reshape the women's team during his tenure, and the team has enjoyed one of their most successful periods in Irish women’s history, having clearly benefited from his experience in the international arena.

"While it is a regret that Jeremy is moving on, it will give us a chance to further develop the game with a new leader and a change of direction which will be crucial in what will be the most important year in the history of the women's game in the country. Cricket Ireland will continue to invest heavily in resources to further enhance and grow the game throughout all of Ireland."

Cricket Ireland will be advertising the position of National Women's head coach in the near future.